The Thirteenth Chair (1937)

In the sultry streets of Calcutta, a murder mystery unfolds as Inspector Marney of Scotland Yard steps in to unravel the enigma surrounding Leonard Lee's death - a man whose presence was far from cherished. Among the suspects is John Wales, Lee's only claimed friend, who proposes a peculiar plan to Inspector Marney in hopes of smoking out the murderer. He suggests a séance led by the enigmatic Madame Rosalie La Grange. Wales, drowned in skepticism, hardly believes in the mystical abilities of Mme. La Grange. Yet, he trusts the unusual gathering might provoke the murderer into revealing themselves. With a guest list comprising Calcutta's high society and a handful of decoys, the séance is set to commence, its true intention concealed from the unsuspecting attendees. As Madame La Grange steps into the spotlight, she confesses that her services usually serve as mere parlor games. But she is not without the genuine gift of mediumship, which she promises to employ for the task at hand. As the evening unfolds under the flickering candlelight, Mme. La Grange transitions from a medium to a detective, immersing herself in the quest to uncover the murderer’s identity, driven by motives that run deeper than they initially appear.

The Thirteenth Chair is a mystery movie featuring May Whitty.

The Thirteenth Chair is currently streaming on TCM.